a hike in Grand Teton National Park you won’t want to miss

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is something to behold. It’s known for its iconic views and recreational activities.

When I visited in August, I learned of a popular hike that starts at Jenny Lake and ends at Lake Solitude, via Cascade Canyon Trail. It’s 15 miles round trip, moderately challenging due to the length, but not too hard for the average hiker. There is about a 2,400 foot elevation gain, with Lake Solitude lying at 9,050 feet above sea level.

The length of the hike is variable depending on where you start. The 15 mile hike I mentioned requires you to take a boat ride across Jenny Lake. You park at Jenny Lake, head to the dock, and buy a ticket. The round trip ticket was $10, so less than what I saw online. The boat takes you across to Cascade Canyon Trailhead. There are no restrooms on this side of the lake, so bear this in mind. You could skip the boat shuttle and walk around the lake to Cascade Canyon Trailhead. Starting at Jenny Lake Trailhead makes the round trip hike closer to 19 miles.

You’ll begin your hike by walking up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, which gives you a nice view of Jenny Lake. Then you will follow a creek up to the Canyon and hike a couple miles. This is the easier section of the trail.

You will then reach a fork and you will take a right to go up to Lake Solitude. This 2.7 mile hike up to the lake is quite challenging because of the steepness, but it’s an especially pretty part of the trail. The last mile is the steepest part, but again doable for the average hiker! When you get to the lake, you’ll be glad you decided to go the extra mile. I spent about an hour up there relaxing, eating snacks, enjoying the cool breeze off the lake. I didn’t jump in, but I saw a few people who did!

From here you can turn around and go back the way you came, or if you’re feeling ambitious you can carry on to Paintbrush Divide, or even to String Lake, which neighbors Jenny Lake. Lake Solitude to String Lake is 10 miles. The hike up to Paintbrush is steep, going from 9,050 to 10,650 ft elevation in 2.6 miles, but I heard the views from there are beautiful!

I decided to end my hike at Lake Solitude and make my way back through Cascade Canyon. Some of the prettiest views are on the way down. You’ll see Grand Teton- peaking at almost 14,000 feet. If you’re lucky, you’ll see bears, moose, and smaller wildlife. I saw no bears, but I did see a couple moose, marmots, chipmunks, and pika.

You can walk back to the boat dock and catch a ride or walk two additional miles to the other side of the lake where you parked. Because I caught the earliest boat ride at 6 am, I beat some of the morning crowds and had less of a wait on the return boat trip than what occurs later in the day. I still waited in a line of people wanting to take the boat back, for about 30 minutes.

Going to Lake Solitude via Cascade Canyon Trail is worth the effort if you’re visiting Grand Teton National Park. I didn’t do many hikes in the park, so I’m glad I did a long one to really soak up what this part of the Rocky Mountains has to offer.

If I can share any tips, start early. If you begin at 6 am you’ll get ahead of the crowds and be done early afternoon. Set aside 6 hours. Wear layers. Bring snacks and plenty of water. Expect to see people as this is a popular hike - but not too crowded where it’s not enjoyable.

If you feel more comfortable with trekking poles, this hike would be a good one to bring them on. Otherwise just choose the pace you feel comfortable with and have the best time! The Teton Range is like no other.